Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

Cannabis has generated considerable scientific interest in the past few decades, particularly with regard to the biological and pharmacological properties of the major active cannabinoid components of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). On the other hand, only a few studies hav...

Cannabis has generated considerable scientific interest in the past few decades, particularly with regard to the biological and pharmacological properties of the major active cannabinoid components of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). On the other hand, only a few studies have focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis extracts. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabis extracts from plant parts of shelled seeds, roots, and stems containing no or trace amounts of cannabinoids. Among water and ethanol extracts from three plant parts, Cannabis stem ethanol extract (CSE) had the most potent free radical scavenging activities and suppression effects on the production of nitric oxide from macrophages. In further studies using macrophages, CSE effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB and MAPK phosphorylations, and cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, in mice exposed to LPS, CSE reduced TNF-α production and normalized activations of pro-apoptotic proteins in liver, kidney, and spleen. GC/MS analyses of CSE showed several active compounds that might be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, these findings indicate that CSE counteracts LPS-induced acute inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting pharmaceutical applications of stem part of Cannabis sativa.

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